Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure (1999) - Plot & Excerpts
What a wonderful time I had reading this. Michael Palin utilizes that Oxbridge background from his own education and his father's profession, and just entertains entirely throughout the book. I read it, first of all, because I think that Hemingway's presence in NW lower Michigan is much overlooked by many. Therefore, I began reading because Palin sets out from Chicago and goes to that area of such grandeur and beauty: Pure Michgan! I often think that those who have read the torment of the Nick Adams stories would realize what healing was needed by the character's return to those beautiful streams and woods.Palin takes us to all those georgraphical influences of Hemingway: Paris, Spain, Key West, Africa, Cuba. What wonderful research of trying to understand that author by tracing his footsteps in each of those locations. The author's skill is far better than I ever expected, especially with his ability at seeing the irony in everything. Also, the twists of his phrasing enhances the humor and reader's understanding. It is written with an obvious eye to seek clarity and translate that into very erudite English. I loved it!
This book takes us to many places where the famous author lived drank, fought and shot various animals... It’s a National Geographic view of Michigan (where Hemingway was born), Paris, Spain (Pamplona), Italy, Africa (Kenya), and Idaho where Hemingway died (actually killed himself).Hemingway lived in Toronto, Canada for a time, but alas old T.O. gets no mention (or photos) in this book – it can’t compare to the above mentioned exotic locations!It’s a very cursory look at this very spirited writer who was always searching for ways to ingest energy into his life. The book is probably meant for either the diehard Hemingway aficionado, or the opposite, who wants one eye catching coffee table book on the writer.Loved very much this thoughtful quote from a Hemingway letter:(at the end of Michael Palin’s book)We can’t ever go back to old things or try and get the “old kick” out of something or find things the way we remembered them. We have them as we remember them and they are fine and wonderful and we have to go on and have other things because the old things are nowhere except in our minds now.
What do You think about Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure (1999)?
Well, for the first book of Palin's that I've read, I wasn't all that impressed. I did like the writing style and got to the end of the book, so it was entertaining in some small way, but not the most memorable of books read. I've read a bit of Hemmingway, but it was a while ago and I couldn't relate any of the tales to what he'd written. Somehow, I felt that the book was missing something - maybe it needs to be read in conjunction with the TV series, so you can see the places more clearly. Even a few photos would have helped. In all, a nice little read, but not one that expanded my knowledge of Hemmingway or the places that Palin visited.
—Dark-Draco
After ready Himalaya I wanted to read another travel book by Michael Palin. I chose Hemingway Adventure on one merit, it was cheap to buy in comparison to all of the other Palin travel books. Hemingway is a renowned and respected author who I should know more about. Instead, I’ve never read any of his books. In this written documentary Palin uses his travel writing experience to detail the locations where Hemingway played out his life. Woven into each location is a trip through Hemingway’s life, loves and book. With Hemingway as the main focus, I found the book more structured and informative than Himalaya. If you are already a fan of Hemingway, or want to get to know this famed man, then you will find this book a dam good read. I have definitely been inspired to pick up one of Hemingway’s books and now have A Moveable Feast on my ‘to read’ list.
—Eva Whiteley
as the title suggests, the book is about hemingway's journey around the world.the author pays homage by revisiting hemingway's favorite haunts and, with the help of some great photos, gives us a glimpse into the scenes that inspired hemingway to write his novels.from some serious barhopping in cuba, to a spot of bullfighting in spain. to me the book serves as a some kind of an unconventional biography for this literary legend.although i admit, the book is not an easy read. the prose being crammed with facts in an abrupt an seemingly haphazard fashion.but i consider it to be a fair price to pay for a peek into hemingway's life and works.all the more reason to give a movable feast another round :)
—Cau
